Rep. Bridenstine, Jim [R-OK-1]

Amendment strengthens language requiring a feasibility study of Tulsa and West Tulsa levees; prioritizes the project if study classifies levee or levee system Class I or Class II.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to reduce and then increase funding for NOAA Procurement, Acquisition and Construction by $9 million.

United States · United States Congress

Amendment reduces funding for periodic censuses and programs by $12 million and increases funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the purpose of weather research by a similar amount.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to prohibit use of funds by the Corps of Engineers to set water storage prices for municipal use for a nonhydropower lake constructed by the Corps above the price that was set at the time of the completion of that lake.

United States · United States Congress

Amendment sought to reduce funding for Other Procurement, Air Force, by $25 million and to increase funding for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide, by a similar amount in order to address capability gaps for military response to Russia's INF treaty violations.

United States · United States Congress

Amendment transfers $250,000 from the FAA's finance and management activities to the Office of Commercial Space Transportation.

United States · United States Congress

Border Security for America Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2017

Border Security for America Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) construct and operate infrastructure and technology to deter and detect illegal border activity in high traffic areas, (2) deploy the most practical and effective technology to achieve situational awareness and operational control of the border, (3) deploy additional capabilities to specified border sectors or regions, (4) submit a plan for evaluating and using independent verification and validation resources for border security technology, (5) establish a National Border Security Advisory Committee, (6) submit a southern border threat analysis, (7) implement the Border Security Deployment Program, (8) establish a biometric exit data system, and (9) begin eradicating the carrizo cane plant and any salt cedar along the Rio Grande River. The bill provides for: (1) U.S. Border Patrol personnel increases and infrastructure improvements, including forward base upgrades along the southern border; and (2) National Guard and Department of Defense border assistance. The bill: (1) prohibits federal agency restrictions on U.S. Customs and Border Protection activities on federal land within 100 miles of the border, (2) requires increases in immigration and law enforcement personnel and agricultural specialists, (3) authorizes appropriations for specified immigration purposes, and (4) requires electronic passport screening and biometric matching at airports of entry. The Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010 is amended to provide for hiring flexibility. Operation Stonegarden is established as a DHS program to provide border security grants. This bill authorizes DHS to construct new ports of entry along the northern and southern borders.

Space Weather Research and Forecasting Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2017

Space Weather Research and Forecasting Act This bill directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy to: coordinate the development and implementation of federal government activities to improve the nation's ability to prepare, avoid, mitigate, respond to, and recover from potentially devastating impacts of space weather events; coordinate the activities of an interagency working group on space weather to be established by the National Science and Technology Council to continue coordination of executive branch efforts to understand, prepare, coordinate, and plan for space weather; and develop an integrated strategy for space and ground-based space weather observations. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shall enter interagency agreements providing for cooperation and collaboration in the development of space weather spacecraft, instruments, and technologies and in the transition of research to operations. NASA shall: (1) maintain operations of the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory/Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (SOHO/LASCO) for as long as the satellite continues to deliver quality observations; and (2) prioritize the reception of LASCO data. NOAA shall: (1) secure reliable secondary capability for near real-time coronal mass ejection imagery; and (2) develop requirements and a plan for follow-on space-based observations for operational purposes. The National Science Foundation (NSF), the Air Force, and the Navy shall each: (1)maintain and improve ground-based observations of the Sun, and (2) provide space weather data by means of ground-based facilities. NOAA, the Air Force, and the Navy shall conduct a survey to prioritize the needs of space weather forecast users. The NSF, NASA, and the Department of Defense (DOD) shall continue to carry out basic research activities on heliophysics, geospace science, and space weather and support merit-based proposals for research, modeling, and monitoring of space weather and its impacts. The NSF and NOAA shall support basic research activities in the social, behavioral, and economic sciences that will lead to improving national preparedness and encouraging mitigation and protection measures before a space weather event. The NSF, NOAA, and NASA shall pursue multidisciplinary research in subjects that further our understanding of solar physics, space physics, and space weather. NASA shall seek to implement missions meeting science objectives identified in National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Solar and Space Physics Decadal surveys. NASA, the NSF, NOAA, the Air Force, and the Navy shall: (1) develop a mechanism to transition NASA, NSF, Air Force, and Navy research findings, research needs, models, and capabilities to NOAA and DOD space weather operational forecasting centers; and (2) enhance coordination between research modeling centers and forecasting centers. NASA and the NSF shall: (1) make space weather related data obtained for scientific research available to space weather forecasters and operations centers, and (2) support model development and applications to space weather forecasting. NOAA shall arrange with the NAS to establish a Space Weather Government-Industry-University Roundtable to facilitate communication and knowledge transfer among government participants in the Space Weather Interagency Group, industry, and academia to facilitate advances in space weather prediction and forecasting, help enable the two-way coordination of research and operations, and improve preparedness for potential space weather events. The space weather interagency working group shall develop benchmarks for measuring solar disturbances. NOAA shall inform the Department of Homeland Security about space weather hazards to protect national critical infrastructure from space weather events. The National Security Council shall develop mechanisms to protect national security assets from space weather threats. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shall: (1) assess the safety implications and vulnerability of the nation's airspace system by space weather events, and (2) develop methods to increase the interaction between the aviation community and the space weather research and service provider community.

SHIPS Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2017

Securing the Homeland by Increasing our Power on the Seas Act or the SHIPS Act This bill declares that it shall be the policy of the United States to have available, as soon as practicable, at least 355 battle force ships, comprised of the optimal mix of platforms, with funding subject to the annual authorization and appropriation of funds.

Advancing America's Missile Defense Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2017

Advancing America's Missile Defense Act of 2017 This bill directs the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to use Department of Defense (DOD) policies to accelerate the development, testing, and fielding of the redesigned kill vehicle, the multi-object kill vehicle, the C3 booster, a space-based sensor layer, an airborne laser on unmanned aerial vehicles, and an additional missile defense site, including the completion of any outstanding environmental impact statements for an additional missile defense site on the east coast or in the midwest regions of the United States. DOD shall, subject to National Missile Defense funding, increase the number of U.S. ground-based interceptors by 28. The MDA shall report to Congress on: (1) infrastructure requirements to increase the number of ground-based interceptors at Missile Field 1 and Missile Field 2 at Fort Greely to 20 ground-based interceptors each, (2) increasing the capacity of the ground-based mid-course defense element of the ballistic missile defense system, (3) the status of the integrated layers of missile defense radars, and (4) a revised missile defense testing campaign plan that accelerates the development and deployment of new missile defense technologies. DOD, by December 31, 2021, shall: (1) execute any requisite construction to ensure that such missile fields or alternative fields at Fort Greely are capable of supporting and sustaining additional ground-based interceptors, (2) deploy 14 additional ground-based interceptors to field 1 or an alternative field at as soon as technically feasible, and (3) identify a ground-based interceptor stockpile storage site for a minimum of 14 ground-based interceptors. The MDA shall develop, test, and deploy a highly reliable space-based missile defense sensor architecture for the ground-based midcourse defense system that provides specified functions and capabilities.

DC Personal Protection Reciprocity Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2017

DC Personal Protection Reciprocity Act This bill declares that the prohibitions of the District of Columbia Official Code against carrying a pistol within Washington, DC either openly or concealed without a license under DC law shall not apply to an individual who is: not prohibited by federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm; carrying a valid license or permit for a concealed firearm issued under the law of a state; and carrying a valid identification document containing the individual's photograph. The Metropolitan Police Department, upon application by a person with a bona fide residence or place of business within the United States and a license to carry a concealed pistol under the law of any state or local government, shall issue that person a license to carry a concealed pistol within DC for up to two years from its date of issue, regardless of the applicant's reason for applying for the license. The bill repeals the condition on the permission for a non-DC resident who lives in a state that does not require a license to carry a concealed pistol to apply to the department for a license to carry one within DC for up to two years. The condition repealed states that the non-resident may apply for a license to carry a concealed weapon only if the non-resident meets the same reasons and requirements a person must meet who has a bona fide residence or place of business in DC. The department shall enter into reciprocity agreements with each other state that requires such an agreement in order to grant recognition to a license to carry a concealed firearm issued by that state.

Combating BDS Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2017

Combating BDS Act of 2017 This bill allows a state or local government to adopt and enforce measures to divest its assets from, prohibit investment of its assets in, or restrict contracting with: (1) an entity that engages in a commerce- or investment-related boycott, divestment, or sanctions activity targeting Israel; or (2) an entity that owns or controls, is owned or controlled by, or is under common ownership or control with such an entity. Such measures are not preempted by federal law. A state or local government that seeks to adopt or enforce such measures shall comply with specified requirements related to notice, timing, and opportunity for comment. In addition, the bill amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to prohibit a person from bringing any civil, criminal, or administrative action against a registered investment company based solely upon that company's divestment from securities issued by a person that engages in a commerce- or investment-related boycott, divestment, or sanctions activity targeting Israel.

American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2017

American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act of 2017 This bill grants the Office of Space Commerce of the Department of Commerce the authority to issue certifications to U.S. nationals and nongovernmental entities for the operation of: (1) specified human-made objects manufactured or assembled in outer space, including on the Moon and other celestial bodies, with or without human occupants, that were launched from Earth; and (2) all items carried on such objects that are intended for use in outer space. To be eligible for certification, each entity's application must include a space debris mitigation plan for the space objects. The office shall establish a Private Space Activity Advisory Committee to: (1) analyze the status and recent developments of nongovernmental space activities, and (2) advise on matters relating to U.S. private sector activities in outer space. The bill authorizes the office to issue permits to persons for the operation of space-based remote sensing systems. The office shall establish an Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing to advise on matters relating to the U.S. commercial space-based remote sensing industry. The bill abolishes the Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Employee Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2017

Employee Rights Act This bill amends the National Labor Relations Act to: (1) make it an unlawful labor practice for a labor organization to interfere (currently, restrain or coerce) with the rights of employees to organize and collectively bargain; (2) require union recertification after a turnover in the workforce exceeding 50% of the bargaining unit; (3) require the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to give 14 days advance notice before a hearing investigating an election petition; and (4) require an employer to provide the NLRB with a list consisting only of employee names and addresses of all eligible voters within seven days after an NLRB determination of the appropriate bargaining unit or an agreement on eligible voters. The bill: (1) grants union and nonunion employees the right to vote by secret ballot on whether to ratify a collective bargaining agreement or engage in a strike, (2) prohibits the use of union dues for any purpose not directly related to collective bargaining, (3) prohibits a strike without the consent of a majority of all represented employees determined by secret ballot, and (4) prohibits the use or threat of force or violence to obtain the right to represent employees. .

Strengthening Security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2017

Strengthening Security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to report to Congress regarding: U.S. defense priorities and challenges emanating from the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, including challenges from North Korea and China; an assessment of the U.S. force posture and basing needs in such region; an assessment of the actions and resources necessary to retain an eleventh combat aviation brigade in South Korea; an assessment of the Air Force's ability to employ bombers and associated weapons while forward deployed in support of operations in such region; a plan for enhancing the sharing of commercial imagery and national technical means with South Korea and Japan; a plan for identifying areas of cyber security collaboration and partnership with Asian allies and enhancing information operations and strategic communication strategies to counter Chinese, North Korean, and Russian information warfare and propaganda activities; and an assessment of Freedom of Navigation Operation patrols in the South China Sea. FY2018 funds are authorized for DOD: (1) to address critical munitions shortfalls; (2) to procure area or missile defense interceptors; (3) for armed forces exercises with Japan, South Korea, and Australia; and (4) for joint training through the Combatant Commanders Exercise Engagement and Training Transformation Program.

Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2017

Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the inclusion of any Social Security or tier I railroad retirement benefits in gross income for income tax purposes. The bill also: (1) appropriates funds to cover reductions in transfers to the Social Security and Railroad Retirement Trust Funds resulting from the enactment of this bill, and (2) expresses the sense of Congress against using tax increases to provide revenue necessary to carry out this bill.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to require an annual report on the personnel, training, and equipment needs of the non-federalized National Guard.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2017

This bill directs the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to submit to specified recipients an annual report for 2018 through 2024 that identifies the personnel, training, and equipment required by the non-federalized National Guard to: (1) support civilian authorities in connection with natural and man-made disasters; and (2) carry out related prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery activities. Such reports shall: (1) set forth the requirements for each of the emergency support functions of the National Response Framework and each of the Federal Emergency Management Agency regions; (2) assess core civilian capability gaps; and (3) consider threat and hazard identifications and risk assessments of the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the states.

STAR Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2017

Spaceflight Training and Astronaut Reform Act or the STAR Act This bill includes space support vehicles and training among the vehicles and purposes, respectively, for which the Department of Transportation (DOT) may establish safety approval procedures relating to an experimental permit for conducting commercial space launch or reentry activities. A "space support vehicle" is defined as an aircraft operating at a spaceport licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration that simulates space flight conditions in support of training for space flight participants or crew or testing of space flight hardware. The bill expands the vehicles for which DOT may issue an experimental permit to include reusable suborbital rockets, reusable launch vehicles, or space support vehicles, that will be launched into a suborbital trajectory, reentered, or flown for training or research purposes, including to simulate launch, reentry, or space flight conditions. The bill prohibits a space support vehicle from operating under a permit issued pursuant to this bill unless it has a valid letter of deviation authority. DOT shall issue such letter within 60 days after the permit is provided, to the extent consistent with maintaining health and safety.

Expanding Veterans' Access to Choice Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2017

Expanding Veterans' Access to Choice Act This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to provide that a veteran who lives within 40 miles (calculated on distance traveled) of a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility, including a community-based outpatient clinic, remains eligible to receive Veterans Choice program services through an approved private health care center if: (1) the VA cannot assign a full-time primary care physician to the veteran at any VA facility within such distance, or (2) no VA facility within such distance provides the needed hospital care or medical treatment.

To posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to each of Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, J. Christopher Stevens, and Sean Smith in recognition of their contributions to the Nation.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2017

This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, J. Christopher Stevens, and Sean Smith in recognition of their contributions to the nation.

To amend the Public Health Service Act to eliminate the non-application of certain State waiver provisions to Members of Congress and congressional staff.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2017

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act, if the American Health Care Act (H.R. 1628) is enacted, to make plans made available by the federal government to Members of Congress and congressional staff subject to state waivers of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requirement for health insurance to cover the essential health benefits and PPACA restrictions on premium variation by age and health status.

Citizens' Right to Know Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2017

Citizens' Right to Know Act of 2017 This bill requires a state or local government that receives funds under a Department of Justice (DOJ) grant program and uses such funds for a pretrial services program to annually report the amount of funds received by the pretrial services program and certain information about participating defendants. DOJ must publish the information. Additionally, DOJ must reduce the grant allocation of a state or local government that fails to comply.

Patriot Inventory Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2017

Patriot Inventory Protection Act This bill requires the Army to evaluate its ability to meet war fighter requirements and operational needs, if GEM-T interceptors are removed from its operational inventory, by either: (1) recertifying GEM-T interceptors; or (2) developing, testing, and fielding a new low-cost interceptor that can be placed on the Army's operational inventory prior to the retirement of GEM-T interceptors. GEM-T interceptors are surface-to-air Patriot Guided Enhanced Missiles. The bill prohibits funds made available for the Army for FY2018 or thereafter from being obligated or expended to demilitarize any GEM-T interceptor or to remove any such interceptor from its operational inventory until the Army submits such evaluation to the congressional defense committees. Such limitation shall not apply to activities that the Army determines are critical to the safety of GEM-T interceptors.

Veterans Access to Community Care Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2017

Veterans Access to Community Care Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to use the VA's existing authority to furnish health care to veterans at non-VA facilities to provide health care at non-VA facilities to veterans who reside more than 40 miles driving distance from the closest VA medical facility providing the care they seek.